The Residential School Legacy: Paths to Healing
Acknowledging the Past
The residential school system, which operated in Canada for over a century, represents one of the darkest chapters in the nation's history. Understanding this legacy is essential for meaningful reconciliation and for supporting the healing journeys of survivors and their descendants.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission
The TRC, which concluded its work in 2015, documented the experiences of over 7,000 survivors and issued 94 Calls to Action. These calls address issues ranging from child welfare and education to language revitalization and commemorative activities.
Intergenerational Impacts
The effects of residential schools extend far beyond the direct survivors:
- Disruption of family structures and parenting knowledge
- Loss of language and cultural practices
- Psychological trauma passed through generations
- Erosion of community governance and social systems
"Reconciliation is not an Indigenous problem — it is a Canadian one. Virtually all aspects of Canadian society may need to be reconsidered."
— Justice Murray Sinclair, Chair of the TRC
Paths Forward
Communities across Canada are developing innovative healing programs that combine traditional practices with contemporary therapeutic approaches. These include land-based healing programs, cultural reclamation initiatives, and community-led mental health services.